Considering the gravity of the cyclonic storm, the state government during the day urged the Centre to temporarily suspend ''Shramik Special'' trains passing through areas falling in the direction of the cyclone.

According to police, the accident took place when the driver of the bus carrying migrants to Banki in Cuttack district apparently lost control and hit the truck on NH-16 near Kuhudi under the jurisdiction of Tangi police station.

To ensure the well-being of serving doctors, in the instances where medical personnel have been treated with prejudice by their landlords and society members, prompt action is being taken by the Government.

Mr Naveen Patnaik has been remarkably decisive, his decision unilateral on the face of it, having been announced 48 hours before the Prime Minister's video conference with Chief Ministers on Saturday, specifically to discuss the course ahead.

The announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the first all-party meet since the declaration of the shutdown, had hinted that the lockdown could be extended owing to the increasing cases of COVID-19.